Built-up beam assembly for building structures

ABSTRACT

A structural beam assembly is for use in supporting a fabric covered building includes a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-end alignment and a means for interconnecting the adjacent beam sections. Each beam section comprises an upper member, a lower member and a reinforcing web extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members. According to one embodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises a connection bracket having an upper tubular member sized for insertion into the upper tubular members of a two adjacent beam sections and a lower tubular member sized for insertion into the lower members two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises a swaged portion integrally formed on the upper tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections and a swaged portion integrally formed on the lower tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, the reinforcing web comprises web plates and the connection means comprises overlapping portions formed on the web plates of adjacent beam sections. The overlapping portions are secured together by fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. In another embodiment, the connection means comprises connection brackets that extend between the web plates of adjacent beam sections and are secured thereto using fasteners. In another embodiment, the connection means connection means comprises a pinned connection assemblies. Each pinned connection assemblies comprises mating flanges formed on the ends of the adjacent beam sections and a pin that extend through apertures in the flanges to secure adjacent beam sections to one another.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of provisional applicationSerial No. 60/355,553, which was filed on Feb. 6, 2002, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fabric covered buildings are well known wherein a plurality ofsupports, often made from tubing, are erected on a foundation base, andheld in spaced apart relation by purlins connected between them. Thestructure is then covered with fabric, somewhat analogous to a tent.Such structures are beneficial because they are relatively economical,fast and easy to erect and maintain, durable and easy to relocate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention relateto a structural beam assembly or arch for use in supporting a fabriccovered building. The assembly comprises a plurality of adjacent beamsections in end-to-end alignment. Each beam section comprises an uppermember, a lower member and a reinforcing web extending between andinterconnecting the upper and lower members. A connection means isprovided for interconnecting adjacent beam sections. According to oneembodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connectionmeans comprises a connection bracket having an upper tubular membersized for insertion into the upper tubular members of a two adjacentbeam sections, and a lower tubular member sized for insertion into thelower members two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, theupper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises aswaged portion integrally formed on the upper tubular member of one ofthe two adjacent beam sections and a swaged portion integrally formed onthe lower tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections. Inanother embodiment, the reinforcing web comprises web plates and theconnection means comprises overlapping portions formed on the web platesof adjacent beam sections. The overlapping portions are secured togetherby fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. In another embodiment, theconnection means comprises connection brackets that extend between theweb plates of adjacent beam sections and are secured thereto usingfasteners. In still another embodiment, the connection means comprisesoverlapping web plates and connection brackets that are affixed to thebeam sections. In another embodiment, the connection means comprises apinned connection assemblies. Each pinned connection assembly is adaptedto secure a pair of adjacent beam sections together. Each pinnedconnection assemblies comprises mating flanges formed on the ends of theadjacent beam sections and a pin that extend through apertures in theflanges to secure adjacent beam sections to one another.

[0004] The reinforcing web is preferably in the form of a web plate. Theweb plate may include apertures along its length for reducing the weightof the beam sections. The apertures may be of a constant size, or theymay vary in size along the length of the beam section. In oneembodiment, the apertures are smaller in size at the center of the beamsection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support framework of a fabriccovered building employing beam assemblies constructed according tocertain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a beam assembly that canbe used in the support framework of FIG. 1.

[0007]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a beamassembly according to certain aspects of a first embodiment the presentinvention.

[0008]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 3partially assembled.

[0009]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 3fully assembled.

[0010]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assemblyaccording to certain aspects of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0011]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 6fully assembled.

[0012]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assemblyaccording to certain aspects of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0013]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 8fully assembled.

[0014]FIG. 10 is another exploded perspective view illustrating a beamassembly according to the third embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 10fully assembled.

[0016]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assemblyaccording to certain aspects of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0017]FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 12fully assembled.

[0018]FIG. 14 is another perspective view showing the beam assembly ofFIG. 12 fully assembled.

[0019]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assemblyaccording to certain aspects of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0020]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 15fully assembled.

[0021]FIG. 17 is an elevation view of a beam arch illustrating certainaspects of a first web plate.

[0022]FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating certain aspects of analternative web plate.

[0023]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the support framework of a fabriccovered building employing gabled beam according to certain aspects ofthe present invention.

[0024]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a beam assembly from FIG. 19.

[0025]FIG. 21 illustrates a beam section having rectangular tubularmembers.

[0026]FIG. 22 illustrates another beam section having square tubularmembers.

[0027]FIG. 23 illustrates a beam section having oval-shaped tubularmembers.

[0028]FIG. 24 illustrates a beam section having trapezoidal tubularmembers.

[0029]FIG. 25 illustrate a pinned connection between a base plate and abuilt-up section according to certain aspects of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate a pinned connection for interconnectingadjacent beam sections according to certain aspects of the presentinvention.

[0031]FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate beam assembly according to certainaspects of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, willbe better understood when read in conjunction with the appendeddrawings. For the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, there is shown in the drawings, embodiments whichare presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that thepresent invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalityshown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thesupport framework 10 of a fabric covered building employing built-upbeam assemblies (or arches) 12 according to certain aspects of thepresent invention. To erect the fabric covered building, a number ofcompleted beam assemblies 12 are laterally spaced on the ground on ananchoring foundation, such as a concrete slab, columns or walls. Thebeam assemblies 12 are raised into a vertical orientation and anchoredto the foundation by base plates 14. For example, fasteners, such asbolts or concrete fasteners, can extend through the base plates 14 andinto the foundation for securing the beam assemblies 12 to thefoundation. Purlins 16 are attached between the adjacent beam assemblies12 at several locations throughout the framework 10. A fabric membrane,not shown, is pulled over the framework 10 and secured to the frameworkwith means such as ropes, cables and/or tie down bars. While the beamassemblies are described in the context of a fabric covered building, itwill be understood that other applications exist for the beamassemblies. For example the beam assemblies can be used to support abuilding covered with flexible sheets of metal, plastic, or wood.

[0034] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate first beam assembly 18 according to certainaspects of a first embodiment the present invention. The beam assembly18 includes a plurality of beam sections 20, which are joined to oneanother by connection brackets 22. In some instance the terminologycolumn or leg is used to refer to a vertical structural member; whereasthe term beam or rafter is used to refer to the members that spanhorizontally between the vertical columns. The beams sections describedherein can take the form of vertical sections (such as Section 15 inFIG. 2) or “spanning members” (such as Section 17 in FIG. 2). Each beamsection 20 includes an upper tube 24 and a lower tube 26 joined togetherby a web plate 28. The tubes 24, 26 may, for example, have a 2.50 inchO.D. and are spaced from one another by the web plate 28 at a uniformdistance, such as 12 to 16 inches between centers. It will beappreciated that the tubes may have different sizes, shapes and/orspacing without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several alternative tube designs are shown in FIGS. 21-24. While thesealternatives are not exhaustive, they are illustrative of possibledesign variations that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The tubes 24, 26 are preferably joined to the web plate 28 bywelding. For example, the tubes 24, 26 may be stitch welded to the webplate 28 at regular intervals, e.g., every 4 inches. Alternatively, acontinuous weld can be used to join the tubes 24, 26 to the web plate28. As will be appreciated, welds can be applied to either or both sidesof the web plate 28.

[0036] The connection bracket 22 includes an upper connector tube 30 anda lower connector tube 32 joined together by a connection plate 34. Theplate 34 is preferably joined to the tubes 30, 32 by welding. Theconnector tubes 30, 32 are sized for insertion into the ends of thetubes 24, 26 on the beam sections 20. The tubes 30, 32 may have acontinuous diameter (as shown) or they may have swaged ends. Adjacentbeam sections 20 are joined together by inserting the connector tubes30, 32 into the ends of the built-up beam tubes 24, 26, as is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. Mechanical fasteners, not shown, may be used to securethe beam sections 20 to the connection bracket 26. For example, holesmay be drilled through the overlapping sections of the connector tubes24, 26 and built-up beam tubes 30, 32. Bolts may be installed throughthe holes to secure the connector tubes 30, 32 within the built-up beamtubes 24, 26. The connection plate 34 presents purlin holes 36 thatallow purlins 16 to extend between adjacent beam arches, as is generallyshown in FIG. 1.

[0037] The web plates 28 include cut-out sections or apertures 38. Whilecircular cut-out sections 38 are shown, it will be appreciated thatother shapes may also be used. Alternatively, the web plates 28 may beformed without the cut-out sections 38. The cutout sections 38 providean appealing visual effect and also reduce material, and hence theweight, of the beam assembly 18. The cut-out sections 38 may have auniform size and spacing, as is shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively, thesize and/or spacing of the cut-out sections may vary along the length ofthe beam section. For example, FIG. 18 shows an embodiment where thecut-out sections 38 become progressively smaller as towards the centerof a give beam section. Progressively decreasing the size of the cut-outsections 38 towards the center of a given beam section is beneficial incounteracting the high bending moments that occur at the center of thebeam section. Specifically, removing less material from the web plate atthe center of the beam section helps to minimize the stressconcentration due to the bending moment.

[0038] While the beam assembly 18 of FIGS. 3-5 has been shown with a webplate 28, it will be appreciated that the connection bracket 22 couldalso be used with beam sections having webbing formed from tubes, suchas is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,468. However, the solid web plate 28provides increased strength to the beam assembly, while reducingmaterial thickness and labor costs.

[0039] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a second beam assembly 40, according tocertain aspects of a second embodiment of the invention. The beamassembly 40 includes a plurality of beam sections 42, 44. Each beamsection 42, 44 has an upper tube 46, 50 and a lower tube 48, 42 joinedby a web plate 54, 56 in the manner described above in connection withthe first embodiment. The web plates 54, 56 may include cut-out sections57, as were described above. Adjacent beam sections are interconnectedby a swaged tubing connection. In particular, the ends of the tubes 50,52 on one of the beam sections 44 include swaged portions 58, which aresized for insertion into the tubes 46, 48 of the other beam section 42.The overlapping of material at the swaged joint increases the overallshear strength of the joint. The length of the swaged portions 58 can bevaried depending on the application to control the amount of overlapbetween adjacent beam sections 42, 44. In addition, in some applicationsit may be desirable to provide a longer swaged portion on one of thetubes, e.g., the upper tube 50 versus the lower tube 52. The swagedportions 58 may be formed at only one end of a given beam section.Alternatively, in some applications it may be desirable to form swagedportions at both ends of a given beam section, as is shown in FIGS. 2and 10. In some applications it may also be desirable to swage the toptube on one beam section and swage the bottom tube on an adjacent beamsection.

[0040] The end of the web plate 54 may be offset so that it overlapswith the web plate 56 on the other beam section 42, as shown in FIG. 6.The overlap between the web plates 54, 56 increase the strength of thejoint. Fastener holes 60 in the ends of the web plates 54, 56 align witheach other when the beam sections 42, 44 are joined to one another.

[0041] Connection brackets 62 are mounted on opposite sides of the webplates 54, 56 for securing the adjacent beam sections 42, 44 together.Each connection bracket 60 has a planar first portion 64 and a flange66, which extends generally perpendicular to the first portion 64. Thefirst portion 64 is sized and shaped to fit flush against the faces ofthe web plates 56, 58. Fastener holes 68 in the first portion 64 alignwith the fastener holes 60 in the ends of the web plates 52, 54. Bolts70 extend through the fastener holes 68, 60 in the connection brackets62 and the web plates 54, 56 and are secured in place by nuts 72. Whilebolts have been shown for interconnecting the beam sections, it will beappreciated that other fasteners, such as rivets may also be used.Moreover, the fastener holes on either the connection bracket or the webplates may be elongated, e.g., in the form of slots, to ease assembly ofthe joint.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener holes 60, 68 arearranged in a straight line. In some applications it may be desirable tooffset the fastener holes from one another to distribute the bolt loadsand reduce the shear force at the joint. The flanges 66 on theconnection brackets 62 have cut-out sections 74 to match the profile ofthe tubes. As a result, the flanges 66 fit tightly against the tubes,which further strengthens the joint.

[0043] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate a third beam assembly 76 according tocertain aspects of a third embodiment of the present invention. The beamassembly 76 includes a plurality of beam sections 78, 80. Each beamsection 78, 80 includes a respective upper tube 82, 84 and a respectivelower tube 86, 88, which are joined together by a web plate 90, 92 inthe manner described above. In this embodiment, the web plates 90, 92 ofadjacent beam sections do not overlap. Instead, they generally form abutt joint. Connection brackets 94 are mounted on both sides of the webplates 90, 92 for securing the beam sections 78, 80 together. Eachconnection bracket 94 has a planar first portion 96 and a pair offlanges 98 that extend generally perpendicular to the first portion 96.The first portion 96 is sized and shaped to fit flush against the faceof the web plates 90, 92. Fastener holes 100 in the connection bracketalign with fastener holes 102 in the ends of the web plates 90, 92.Fasteners extend through the holes 100, 102 to secure the connectionbrackets and the web plates together. In the illustrated embodiment, thefasteners are in the form of bolts 104 and nuts 105. The fastener holes102 in the web plates may be elongated, as shown, to ease assembly ofthe joint.

[0044] The fastener holes 100, 102 are preferably arranged in an offsetpattern to distribute the bolt loads, thereby increasing the jointsresistance to shear and tear out forces. In the illustrated embodiment,the fastener holes 100, 102 are arranged in an oval pattern, but it willbe appreciated that other patterns will also work. For example, adiagonal pattern could be used to distribute the loads over an evenlarger number of bolts, which would further increase the resistance toshear. Other aspects of the beam assembly 76 may be constructedgenerally as was described above.

[0045] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a fourth beam assembly 110 according tocertain aspects of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Thebeam assembly 110 of FIGS. 12-14 is similar to the one shown in FIGS.8-11, except for the construction of the connector brackets 112. Inparticular, the connection brackets 112 in FIGS. 12-14 have only oneflange 114. Eliminating one of the flanges from the connector bracketreduces the weight of the bracket, thereby reducing cost.

[0046] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate a fifth beam assembly 118 according tocertain aspects of the present invention. The beam assembly of FIGS.15-16 is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 12-14, except that the endsof the beam sections are cut on an angle. This creates a beveled orangled joint, which increases the strength of the joint. The connectionbrackets are similar to those shown in FIGS. 12-14, except that they areshaped to extend over the angled joint between the adjacent beamsections. The fastener holes are preferably arranged in an offsetpattern, as was discussed above.

[0047] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a gabled beam assembly 119 according tocertain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. The gabledbeam assembly 119 can employ any of the joint assemblies describedabove.

[0048] FIGS. 21-25 illustrate additional alternative designs for beamsections according to certain aspects of the present invention. Thesebeam sections are similar to the beam sections described above, exceptfor the geometry of their upper and lower tubes. Specifically, in FIG.21, the upper and lower tubes are rectangular in cross-section. FIG. 22shows a beam section having square tubes. FIG. 23 shows a beam sectionhaving oval-shaped tubes. FIG. 24 illustrates a beam section havingtrapezoidal tubes. The beam sections shown in FIGS. 21-25 can be joinedtogether using any of the methods described above. Moreover, it will beappreciated that the tubes can assume numerous other cross-sectionalconfigurations without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0049]FIG. 25 illustrates a pinned connection between a base plate and abeam section according to certain aspects of the present invention. Thebase plate 120 includes a bottom plate 122, which is adapted to besecured to the foundation, e.g., by bolts or concrete fasteners (notshown). The base plate 122 includes a plurality of mounting apertures124 for this purpose. A pair of opposed flanges 126 a, 126 b extendupwardly from the bottom plate 122 and are configured to receive aflange 128 carried by the end of a built-up beam section 130. Aconnector pin 132 extends through apertures in flanges 126 a, 128, 126 bfor securing the beam section 130 to the base plate 120. The pinnedconnection is designed to counteract the bending moment created byforces placed on the building structure due to wind and snow loads, forexample. The pinned connection helps to reduce the bending moment byallowing the building to move in response to external forces, such aswind or snow loads, and does not transfer any of the bending momentthrough the pinned connection between the beam section and thestationary foundation. As a result, stresses are reduced in the beamsections, allowing material thickness to be reduced, thereby reducingthe cost of the building. This same type of pinned connection could alsobe used in a pony wall building design to connect the roof rafters tothe posts forming the pony wall.

[0050] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate a pinned connection that can be used forinterconnecting adjacent beam sections 140, 142 at the crown/peak of thebuilding structure. The beam sections 140, 142 carry mating connectionbrackets 144, 146 on their ends. The first connection brackets 144includes a pair of longitudinally extending, opposed flanges or plates148 a, 148 b. The other connection bracket 146 includes a singlelongitudinally extending flange or plates 150 that is sized to slideinto place between the flanges 148 a, 148 b on the other beam section140. The flanges 148 a, 148 b, 150 include pin-receiving apertures 152that align with each other when the flange 150 is slid into placebetween the flanges 148 a, 148 b. A connection pin 154 extends throughthe apertures 152 for securing the beam sections 140, 142 to each other.Each connection bracket 142, 144 includes laterally extending flanges156. Using a pinned connection at the peak of a building functions toreduce the overall stresses in the beam members in much the same manneras was outlined above in connection with the pinned base plateconnection.

[0051]FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate another embodiment of a beam assembly240 according to certain aspects of the present invention. Thisembodiment is similar to the one shown in FIG. 6, except that it alsoincludes connection brackets that are secured to the beam sections. Thebeam assembly 240 includes a plurality of beam sections 242, 244. Eachbeam section 242, 244 has an upper tube 246, 250 and a lower tube 248,252 joined by a respective web plate 254, 256 in the manner describedabove. The web plates 254, 256 may include cut-out sections 257, as weredescribed above. The ends of the tubes 250, 252 on one of the beamsections 244 include swaged portions 258, which are sized for insertioninto the tubes 246, 248 of the other beam section 242. The swagedportions 258 may be formed at only one end of a given beam section.Alternatively, in some applications it may be desirable to form swagedportions at both ends of a given beam section, as is shown in FIGS. 2and 10. In some applications it may also be desirable to swage the toptube on one beam section and swage the bottom tube on an adjacent beamsection.

[0052] The ends of the web plates 254, 256 are offset from one anotherso that they overlap when the beam sections 242, 244 are joinedtogether. (See FIG. 31). Fastener holes 260 in the ends of the webplates 254, 256 align with each other when the beam sections 242, 244are joined to one another. Fasteners, such as bolts (not shown), aremounted in the holes 260 to secure the beam sections together.

[0053] Connection brackets 262 are affixed to the beam sections,adjacent the upper and lower tubes. The connection brackets may bepermanently secured to the beam sections, e.g., by welding.Alternatively, the connection brackets could be connected to the beamsections by fasteners, such as rivets or bolts. In the illustratedembodiment, each beam section includes an upper and lower connectionbracket. The connection brackets on the adjacent beam sections alignwith one another when the beam sections are joined together, as shown inFIG. 31. Fasteners, not shown, such as bolts extend through fastenerholes 264 in the connection brackets to further secure the beam sectionstogether. In the illustrated embodiment, each connection bracket 262includes three fastener holes 264.

[0054] When the beam sections are assembled, they are joined together,not only be the bolts through the offset web plates, but also by theconnection plates located around the upper and lower tubes. The bolt inthe connection plates, along with the use of the web plate bolts, arethe primary means of connecting the beam sections together. In thisembodiment, the swaged portions function primarily to align the beamsections with one another as they are joined together.

[0055] The various components of the beam assembles are preferablyformed of metal. For example, the upper and lower likes can be formed of2-½″ O.D. steel tubes and the web plates can be formed from 14 gage hotrolled steel. Similarly, the connection brackets can be formed from ametal, such as ¼″ hot rolled steel. It will be appreciated, however,that other materials, such as aluminum, can be used to form some or allof the components.

[0056] While the invention has been described with reference to apreferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substitutedwithout departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed.

1. A structural beam assembly for use in supporting a fabric coveredbuilding, comprising: a plurality of adjacent beam sections inend-to-end alignment, each beam comprising an upper tubular member, alower tubular member and a web plate extending between andinterconnecting the upper and lower tubular members; and a connectionmeans for interconnecting adjacent beam sections.
 2. A structural beamassembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprisesa connection bracket having an upper tubular member sized for insertioninto the upper tubular members of two adjacent beam sections and a lowertubular member sized for insertion into the lower members of twoadjacent beam sections.
 3. A structural beam assembly as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a swaged portionintegrally formed on the upper tubular member of one of the two adjacentbeam sections and a swaged portion integrally formed on the lowertubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections, the swagedportions being sized for insertion into the tubular member of the otheradjacent beam section.
 4. A structural beam assembly as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the web plate includes a plurality of apertures formedalong its length.
 5. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 4,wherein the apertures vary in size.
 6. A structural beam assembly as setforth in claim 1, wherein the web plates of adjacent beam sections haveportions that overlap with one another.
 7. A structural beam assembly asset forth in claim 6, wherein the connection means comprises fastenersfor securing the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sectionstogether.
 8. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 6, whereinthe connection means comprises at least one connection plate secured tothe overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections by fasteners.
 9. Astructural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the web platesof adjacent beam sections form butt joints.
 10. A structural beamassembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the web plates are generallyplanar.
 11. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, whereinat least some of the beam sections are arcuate.
 12. A structural beamassembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprisesconnection brackets extending between the web plates of adjacent beamsections and secured thereto by fasteners.
 13. A structural beamassembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein each connection bracketcomprises a generally planar portion sized and shaped to fit flushagainst the web plates of two adjacent beam sections.
 14. A structuralbeam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection meanscomprises a plurality of pinned connection assemblies, each pinnedconnection assembly securing a pair of adjacent beam sections together,each of the pinned connection assemblies comprising mating flangesformed on the ends of the adjacent beam sections and a pin that extendsthrough apertures in the flanges to secure adjacent beam sections to oneanother.
 15. A structural beam assembly for use in supporting a fabriccovered building, comprising: a plurality of adjacent beam sections inend-to-end alignment, each beam section comprising a hollow uppermember, a hollow lower member and a reinforcing web extending betweenand interconnecting the upper and lower members; and a plurality ofconnection brackets, each connection bracket being adapted interconnecttwo adjacent beam sections in the beam assembly, each connection brackethaving an upper member sized for insertion into the upper tubular memberof at least one of the two adjacent beam sections and a lower connectionmember sized for insertion into the lower member of at least at leastone of the two adjacent beam sections.
 16. A structural beam assembly asset forth in claim 15, wherein the upper and lower connection membersare hollow.
 17. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 15,wherein each connection bracket further comprises a connection plateinterconnecting the upper and lower connection members.
 18. A structuralbeam assembly as set forth in claim 17, wherein the connection plateincludes holes configured to receive purlins.
 19. A structural beamassembly as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reinforcing web comprisesa generally planar member.
 20. A structural beam assembly as set forthin claim
 19. wherein the generally planar member includes a plurality ofapertures formed along its length.
 21. A structural beam assembly as setforth in claim 20, wherein the apertures vary in size.
 22. A structuralbeam assembly for use in supporting a fabric covered building,comprising: a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-endalignment, each beam section comprising an upper tubular member, a lowertubular member and a reinforcing web extending between andinterconnecting the upper and lower tubular members; and wherein pairsof adjacent beam sections are interconnected by swaged connectionsformed on the upper and lower tubular members, each swaged connectioncomprising a reduced diameter portion formed on the tubular member ofone of the adjacent beam sections that is sized for insertion into thetubular member of the other of the adjacent beam sections.
 23. Astructural beam assembly as set forth in claim 22, further comprisingconnection brackets that secure the reinforcing webs of adjacent beamsections to one another.
 24. A structural beam assembly as set forth inclaim 23, wherein the reinforcing webs comprise generally planar webplates and each connection bracket comprises a generally planar portionthat is sized and shaped to fit flush against the web plates of twoadjacent beam sections.
 25. A structural beam assembly as set forth inclaim 24, further comprising fasteners that extend through the planarportions of the connection brackets and the web plates for securing theconnection brackets to the web plates.
 26. A structural beam assembly asset forth in claim 24, wherein each connection bracket includes at leastone flange that extends generally perpendicular to the planar portion ofa respective connection bracket.
 27. A structural beam assembly as setforth in claim 22, wherein the reinforcing webs comprise generallyplanar web plates.
 28. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim22, wherein each web plate includes a plurality of apertures formedalong its length.
 29. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim28, wherein the apertures vary in size.
 30. A structural beam assemblyas set forth in claim 27, wherein the web plates of adjacent beamsections have portions that overlap with one another.
 31. A structuralbeam assembly as set forth in claim 30, further comprising fasteners forsecuring the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections together.32. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 31, wherein theconnection means comprises at least one connection bracket that issecured to the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections byfasteners.
 33. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 27,wherein the web plates of adjacent beam sections form butt joints.
 34. Astructural beam assembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein at least someof the beam sections are arcuate.
 35. A structural beam assembly for usein supporting a fabric covered building, comprising: a first beamsection comprising an upper member, a lower member and a reinforcing webextending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members; and afirst connection bracket formed on one end of the first beam section anddefining a pin-receiving aperture; a second connection bracket formed onone end of the second beam section and defining a pin-receiving apertureconfigured to align with the pin-receiving aperture of the firstconnection bracket; and a pin extending through the pin-receivingapertures for securing the beam sections to each other.
 36. A beamassembly as set forth in claim 35, wherein the upper and lower membersof the beam sections are hollow.
 37. A beam assembly as set forth inclaim 36, wherein the reinforcing web comprises a generally planar plateextending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members.
 38. Abeam assembly as set forth in claim 35, wherein the first connectionbracket comprises a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extendingflanges and the second connection bracket comprises a longitudinalflange that is sized to mate between the flanges of the first connectionbracket.
 39. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 35,wherein the upper and lower members are arcuate.